Leybourne Castle

Leybourne Castle is a medieval fortification featuring a gatehouse with two semicircular bastions that were later incorporated into a Tudor-era farmhouse. The structure sits on private land west of Castle Way and retains earthwork foundations from its earlier defensive phases.

The fortress emerged as a center of local authority in the 13th century, with Roger de Leybourne establishing its significance in the region. It later evolved into a residential structure, reflecting how medieval defensive buildings were repurposed over centuries.

This place represents how medieval lords demonstrated power through stone fortifications in the countryside. The surviving structures show how such buildings served as symbols of authority and protection for surrounding communities.

The property is privately owned, so advance arrangements are essential before planning a visit. It sits west of Castle Way in Kent and is most accessible by car, as it lies away from main public pathways.

The remaining earthwork mounds reveal how medieval fortifications could be effective without massive stone walls. This construction method was common in southeastern England and demonstrates that not all defensive structures required expensive masonry.